“We are not asking for any taxpayer assistance. Suffolk OTB asks only that it be permitted to move forward with implementing its new business model,” Casale said. “The state and the state’s taxpayers will not pay one penny if the Legislature passes this bill.”

The legislation also would authorize Suffolk OTB to use its capital acquisition fund for operations.

Suffolk OTB already cut half of its branches over the last two years from 14 to seven and focused more on Qwik Bet and Internet wagering.

The bills are being reviewed in the Assembly and Senate racing committees.

Casale said the legislation, in addition to allowing the bankruptcy to proceed, would let Suffolk OTB file another petition, if it chose.

Suffolk OTB is a public-benefit corporation that provides between $1.6 million and $1.8 million annually in nontax revenue to Suffolk. Since it was founded in 1975, it has generated more than $359 million for state and local taxpayers.